-
Atherosclerosis Jun 2024The role of aortic mineralization in the pathogenesis of acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is unclear. Whether thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) and circulating...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The role of aortic mineralization in the pathogenesis of acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is unclear. Whether thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) and circulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity are associated with acute TBAD risk remains elusive.
METHODS
Observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies were conducted sequentially. Using propensity score matching (1:1) by age and sex, patients with acute TBAD (n = 125) were compared with control patients (n = 125). Qualitative (score) and quantitative (volume) analyses of the TAC burden on different thoracic aortic segments were conducted using non-enhanced computed tomography. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant independent risk factors for TBAD and TAC burden, respectively. MR was finally used to determine the causal relationship between elevated ALP activity and TBAD risk.
RESULTS
The qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed that TAC burden was significantly higher in the TBAD group, except for in the ascending aortic segment (both p < 0.05). Preoperative circulating ALP was significantly elevated in the TBAD group (p < 0.001). The elevated TAC burden score on the descending thoracic aortic segment (odds ratio [OR] 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-8.37) and increased ALP activity (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) was independently associated with TBAD risk. Interestingly, ALP was significantly positively associated with TAC burden, and MR analyses confirmed that ALP genetically predicted TBAD risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated ALP may trigger TBAD risk via the increased volume of TAC. Aortic mineralization may not protect the aorta itself.
PubMed: 38944894
DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.118519 -
Immunobiology Jun 2024The pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic role of tumor infiltrating mast cells (TIMs) in tumors depends not only on the type of cancer and the degree of tumor...
The pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic role of tumor infiltrating mast cells (TIMs) in tumors depends not only on the type of cancer and the degree of tumor progression, but also on their location in the tumor bulk. In our investigation, we employed immunohistochemistry to reveal that the mast cells (MCs) in the tumor stroma are positively correlated with metastasis of ovarian cancer (OC), but not in the tumor parenchyma. To delve deeper into the influence of different culture matrix stiffness on MCs' biological functions within the tumor parenchymal and stromal regions, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of the mouse MC line (P815) cultured in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) culture system. Further research has found that the softer 3D extracellular matrix stiffness could improve the mitochondrial activity of MCs to promote proliferation by increasing the expression levels of mitochondrial activity-related genes, namely Pet100, atp5md, and Cox7a2. Furthermore, employing LASSO regression analysis, we identified that Pet100 and Cox7a2 were closely associated with the prognosis of OC patients. These two genes were subsequently employed to construct a risk score model, which revealed that the high-risk group model as one of the prognostic factors for OC patients. Additionally, the XCell algorithm analysis showed that the high-risk group displayed a broader spectrum of immune cell infiltrations. Our research revealed that TIMs in the tumor stroma could promote the metastasis of OC, and mitochondrial activity-related proteins Pet100/Cox7a2 can serve as biomarkers for prognostic evaluation of OC.
PubMed: 38944891
DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2024.152831 -
The Journal of Social Psychology Jun 2024Although there have been studies in the past that have highlighted the important role of leader traits in motivating employee innovation behavior, leader perfectionism...
Although there have been studies in the past that have highlighted the important role of leader traits in motivating employee innovation behavior, leader perfectionism has been scarcely investigated in this context. This study attempts to explore whether leader perfectionism directed toward employees can facilitate or hinder employee innovation behavior. Based on the transactional model of stress, we propose and test a moderated mediation model using data from a multi-wave, multi-source survey of 334 leader-employee questionnaires. The results show that, for employees with high self-efficacy, leader perfectionism has a positive effect on their challenge stress, which in turn promotes employee innovation behavior; Meanwhile, for employees with low self-efficacy, leader perfectionism has a positive effect on their hindrance stress, thereby discouraging employee innovation behavior. This study has significant theoretical and practical implications as it highlights the underlying relationship between leader perfectionism and employee innovation behavior.
PubMed: 38944847
DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2024.2368018 -
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Jun 2024The General Adaptation Syndrome and the supercompensation Model are concepts widely applied in exercise science. Considering that fat is essential for tissue and the...
BACKGROUND
The General Adaptation Syndrome and the supercompensation Model are concepts widely applied in exercise science. Considering that fat is essential for tissue and the main energy source during continuous moderate-intensity exercise (MICE), the hypothesis arises that this type of effort may pay off after a detraining period.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate how different exercise models, followed by a period of detraining, affected adipose tissue cellularity in adult rats. Two specific models were examined: moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is an experimental study in which rats were allocated into three groups: i) Continuous moderate-intensity exercise (MICE); ii) High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT); and iii) Control group (GC). Data were collected in three moments, namely: baseline values (T1), after which the animals exercised on a treadmill for eight weeks (T2) and then were followed up for four weeks after interruption of physical exercise (T3). For statistical analysis, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, with Tukey's post-hoc for the group (GC, MICE, or HIIT) and Bonferroni's for the moment (T1, T2 and T3).
RESULTS
Regarding the periepididymal mass, GC showed an increase of 45% in T3 compared to T2. The HIIT and MICE groups had lower T3 values when compared to the CG. Comparing groups relative to the delta variation between T2 and T3 showed a difference in periepididymal mass (p = 0.012), with HIIT showing lower values than CG (p = 0.009). Analysis of the number of periepididymal adipocytes showed that HIIT (p < 0.001) and GC (p = 0.003) captured smaller numbers of cells than MICE.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our findings demonstrated positive effects of both interventions (HIIT and MICE) in the control of periepididymal adipose tissue mass of adult rats after 4 weeks of exercise interruption, with less mass gain in HIIT. More adipocytes were observed in MICE compared to HIIT and GC. These results suggest that both exercise models helped control fat accumulation, even after detraining.
PubMed: 38944827
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.06.024 -
Journal of Biomaterials Science.... Jun 2024Innovation chemotherapeutic nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) with various pharmacological achievement have become one of the hopeful therapeutic strategies in cancer...
Innovation chemotherapeutic nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) with various pharmacological achievement have become one of the hopeful therapeutic strategies in cancer therapy. This study focused on low pH, and high levels of glutathione (GSH) as two prominent characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to design a novel TME-targeted pH/redox dual-responsive P (AMA-co-DMAEMA)-b-PCL-SS-PCL-b-P (AMA-co-DMAEMA) nanoparticles (NPs) for deep tumor penetration and targeted anti-tumor therapy. The positively charged NPs exhibit strong electrostatic interactions with negatively charged cell membranes, significantly enhancing cellular uptake. Moreover, these NPs possess the unique size-shrinkable property, transitioning from 98.24 ± 27.78 to 45.56 ± 20.62 nm within the TME. This remarkable size change fosters an impressive uptake of approximately 100% by MDA-MB-231 cells within just 30 min, thereby greatly improving drug delivery efficiency. This size switchability enables passive targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, facilitating deep penetration into tumors. The NPs also demonstrate improved pH/redox-triggered drug release (∼70% at 24 h) within the TME and exhibit no toxicity in cell viability test. The cell cycle results of treated cells with docetaxel (DTX)-loaded NPs revealed G2/M (84.6 ± 1.16%) arrest. The DTX-loaded NPs showed more apoptosis (62.6 ± 3.7%) than the free DTX (51.8 ± 3.2%) in treated cells. The western blot and RT-PCR assays revealed that apoptotic genes and proteins expression of treated cells were significantly upregulated with the DTX-loaded NPs vs. the free DTX (<.001). In conclusion, these findings suggest that this novel-engineered NPs holds promise as a TME-targeted NDDS.
PubMed: 38944817
DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2024.2371203 -
HIV Research & Clinical Practice Dec 2024Zimbabwe antenatal HIV prevalence rate is 16.1%. HIV-positive pregnant adolescent girls and young women (AYW) are at high risk to experience perinatal mental health...
BACKGROUND
Zimbabwe antenatal HIV prevalence rate is 16.1%. HIV-positive pregnant adolescent girls and young women (AYW) are at high risk to experience perinatal mental health challenges, attributed to a combination of factors including HIV status, stigma and perinatal depression. Perinatal depression and stigma among AYW is understudied in Zimbabwe and may affect short- and long-term health of HIV positive mothers and their children, and can impact treatment adherence.
METHODS
Qualitative data was gathered from four focus group discussions with (2 urban and 2 rural) PMTCT providers ( = 17). Focus group discussions were also conducted among AYW clients ( = 20) from two clinics in Mashonaland East.
RESULTS
Qualitative analyses identified patterns related to: (1) drop out and loss to follow up, (2) retention and adherence, (3) recurring feelings of internalized stigma; and (4) acceptability of potential MH interventions. MH services are not available and AYW have limited access to adherence counseling (1-2 times at onset). Psychological support was not available at either clinic, despite both providers and clients perceiving high rates of stigma, discrimination, and challenges with disclosure. Challenges related to long waits for ART distribution and gaps in disclosure support emerged as barriers. Providers noted that AYW present as anxious (non-diagnosed), and attribute depression to those clients who are lost to follow up, stating lack of time to screen for MH related issues or actively refer them for services. Challenges related to the ability to provide strong advice and support for disclosure also emerged among providers.
CONCLUSIONS
This study can contribute to policy and practice recommendations to better integrate MH into HIV services and develop person-centered service models for HIV positive AYW. HIGHLIGHTSPerinatal adolescents and young women (AYW) living with HIV have gaps in retention and care in the current Zimbabwe PMTCT service model.Mental health stigma must be addressed to integrate mental health into HIV services.HIV providers are aware of the need to provide mental health support to reduce loss to follow-up.Mental health screening and referrals for services are not part of standard care for perinatal HIV positive AYW in Zimbabwe.Linkages between disclosure and AYW mental health was identified as a challenge by HIV providers.Context responsive interventions can support integration of mental health screening, services, and referrals.
Topics: Humans; Female; Zimbabwe; Adolescent; HIV Infections; Social Stigma; Young Adult; Focus Groups; Pregnancy; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Adult; Qualitative Research; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38944816
DOI: 10.1080/25787489.2024.2371174 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Jun 2024Only about 30% of conceptions end in live births, yet there are little data on paternal causes of pregnancy loss. Men with inflammatory bowel disease may have multiple...
BACKGROUND
Only about 30% of conceptions end in live births, yet there are little data on paternal causes of pregnancy loss. Men with inflammatory bowel disease may have multiple disease-related issues that may affect fertility. We aimed to examine pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproduction whose male partners had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
METHODS
This nationwide study included all embryo transfers registered in the Danish Assisted Reproduction Registry from January 2, 2006, to September 3, 2019. The exposed cohort included embryo transfers from couples in which the male partners had Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The unexposed cohort included embryo transfers in which male partners did not have inflammatory bowel disease.
RESULTS
For fathers with ulcerative colitis, the adjusted odds ratio for a positive biochemical pregnancy (positive human chorionic gonadotropin) was 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.42), for a clinical pregnancy (positive vaginal ultrasonography at 7-8 weeks) was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.59-1.40), and for a live birth was 0.99 (95% CI, 0.71-1.60). For fathers with Crohn's disease, the adjusted odds ratio for a biochemical pregnancy was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.63-1.09), for a clinical pregnancy was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.34-0.97), and for a live birth was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.51-1.55).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings may indicate that partners of men with Crohn's disease may have an increased risk of early pregnancy loss. Future studies should confirm these results and examine the impact of paternal medications, paternal disease activity, and other factors associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
PubMed: 38944809
DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izae132 -
Journal of Pediatric Health Care :... Jun 2024Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus that can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) in children. We aim to investigate...
INTRODUCTION
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus that can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) in children. We aim to investigate the burden of EoE on the QOL in children aged 2-18 years and identify factors that influence their QOL.
METHOD
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in six Saudi pediatric hospitals. Pediatric Quality of Life 3.0 EoE Module was used to measure the QOL of children with EoE.
RESULTS
Thirty-six families (36 parents and 33 children) were enrolled. The most reported symptoms were vomiting (50%), dysphagia (44.4%), and food impaction (36.1%). The mean total score of the parent-proxy report of the Pediatric Quality of Life EoE was 82.9 ± 10.3 versus the children's self-reported score of 77.28 ± 13.6 (p = .043).
DISCUSSION
Recurrent emergency department visits were associated with a lower QOL, and a positive family history of EoE was associated with a better QOL.
PubMed: 38944807
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.06.001 -
Cytotherapy Jun 2024The prevalence of chronic wounds continues to be a burden in human medicine. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is commonly isolated from infected...
The mesenchymal stromal cell secretome promotes tissue regeneration and increases macrophage infiltration in acute and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected skin wounds in vivo.
BACKGROUND AIMS
The prevalence of chronic wounds continues to be a burden in human medicine. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is commonly isolated from infected wounds. MRSA infections primarily delay healing by impairing local immune cell functions. This study aimed to investigate the potential of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-secreted bioactive factors, defined as the secretome, to improve innate immune responses in vivo. MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of horses, which serve as valuable translational models for wound healing. The MSC secretome, collected as conditioned medium (CM), was evaluated in vivo using mouse models of acute and MRSA-infected skin wounds.
METHODS
Punch biopsies were used to create two full-thickness skin wounds on the back of each mouse. Acute wounds were treated daily with control medium or bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) CM. The antibiotic mupirocin was administered as a positive control for the MRSA-infected wound experiments. Wounds were photographed daily, and wound images were measured to determine the rate of closure. Trichrome staining was carried out to examine wound tissue histologically, and immunofluorescence antibody binding was used to assess immune cell infiltration. Wounds in the MRSA-infected model were swabbed for quantification of bacterial load.
RESULTS
Acute wounds treated with BM-MSC CM showed accelerated wound closure compared with controls, as illustrated by enhanced granulation tissue formation and resolution, increased vasculature and regeneration of hair follicles. This treatment also led to increased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. Chronic MRSA-infected wounds treated with BM-MSC CM showed reduced bacterial load accompanied by better resolution of granulation tissue formation and increased infiltration of pro-healing M2 macrophages compared with control-treated infected wounds.
CONCLUSIONS
Collectively, our findings indicate that BM-MSC CM exerts pro-healing, immunomodulatory and anti-bacterial effects on wound healing in vivo, validating further exploration of the MSC secretome as a novel treatment option to improve healing of both acute and chronic wounds, especially those infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
PubMed: 38944795
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.06.007 -
Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing :... Jun 2024This project aimed to implement a continuous capnography protocol in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for postoperative adult patients who are at high risk for...
PURPOSE
This project aimed to implement a continuous capnography protocol in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for postoperative adult patients who are at high risk for respiratory failure.
DESIGN
A preintervention and postintervention quality improvement design with retrospective chart reviews evaluated patient demographics (age, weight, body mass index [BMI], perioperative fluid intake and output, use of intraoperative positive-end expiratory pressure), length of surgery, average length of PACU stay, incidence of respiratory events, and adherence to a PACU capnography protocol.
METHODS
Preimplementation data were collected from retrospective chart reviews over a 3-month period. A continuous capnography protocol was implemented for same-day surgery patients with a BMI of 35 kg/m or greater and who received general anesthesia. Postimplementation data were collected over 3 months in addition to adherence to the capnography protocol. This was presented using descriptive statistics.
FINDINGS
Age, length of surgery, weight, BMI, perioperative fluid intake and output, and use of positive-end expiratory pressure did not impact PACU length of stay. The average PACU length of stay decreased from 76.76 to 71.82 minutes postimplementation but was not statistically significant (P = .470). The incidence of respiratory events was 6% (n = 3). After the implementation of the continuous capnography protocol, adherence to the continuous capnography monitoring was 86% (n = 43).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients who are at high risk for postoperative respiratory failure may benefit from continuous capnography monitoring in the PACU. Capnography monitoring may decrease PACU length of stay and provide earlier detection of pending respiratory depression or failure than pulse oximetry alone.
PubMed: 38944792
DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2024.02.011